Abdominoplasty

Excessive weight gain and loss, pregnancies, and hormonal changes can lead to fat accumulation, skin sagging, stretch marks, and muscle laxity in the abdominal area. These changes can negatively affect the aesthetic appearance of the abdomen. In such cases, tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) offers an effective solution.

Tummy tuck surgery is a body contouring procedure performed not for weight loss but to create a flatter, firmer, and more proportionate appearance of the abdomen.

Who Is Suitable for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The most suitable candidates for tummy tuck surgery are:

• Individuals with abdominal sagging that does not improve with diet and exercise

• Those with muscle laxity and separation (diastasis) in the abdominal muscles

• Individuals with a general health status suitable for surgery

• People with realistic expectations

Patients with excess weight are advised to approach their ideal weight before surgery. In overweight patients, since the skin thickness and fat tissue are higher, post-operative results may be limited. Therefore, patients who lose weight before the surgery achieve the best results.

How Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

When the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles weakens, the muscles separate, and the abdominal area protrudes due to the pressure of internal organs. In tummy tuck surgery:

• The abdominal muscles are tightened

• The abdominal wall is narrowed

• Excess fat and skin tissue are removed

• The belly button is repositioned if necessary

This procedure can significantly reduce, but not entirely eliminate, stretch marks in the abdominal area.

Mini vs. Full Tummy Tuck

The surgery is planned based on the degree of deformity in the abdominal region:

Full Tummy Tuck:
This is preferred in cases of significant sagging and fat accumulation across the abdomen, with advanced separation of the abdominal muscles.

Mini Tummy Tuck:
This is performed when sagging and fat accumulation are limited to the area below the belly button. In this method, the belly button is usually not repositioned.

When repositioning the belly button is required, incisions are planned around the belly button and within the underwear line to remain discreet.

To achieve more aesthetic results, liposuction is often added to tummy tuck surgery.

Surgery Duration and Hospital Stay

Tummy tuck surgery usually takes 2–4 hours. Depending on the patient’s condition, a 1–2 day hospital stay may be required. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Possible Risks After Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, tummy tuck surgery carries some risks, especially for:

• Smokers

• Diabetic patients

• Individuals with chronic illnesses

• Patients with wound healing issues

In these cases, the recovery process may be longer, and wound healing problems may occur.

Post-Surgery Process and What to Pay Attention To

• Drains are placed to prevent fluid accumulation and are typically removed within 1–4 days.

• Mild pain may occur in the first few days, but it can be controlled with painkillers.

• For the first few days, it is recommended to walk slightly bent forward to protect the suture line.

• It is advised to place a pillow under the knees or lower back during sleep.

Patients who do not perform heavy physical work can return to their work life within 1–2 weeks on average.

Corset Use and Recovery Process

• It is recommended to wear a corset for 1–1.5 months after surgery.

• Heavy exercise should be avoided for 2–3 months.

• The swelling in the abdominal area may take 6–12 months to fully subside, and the final result will emerge after this period.

Post-operative weight control is very important. Excessive weight gain can negatively affect the aesthetic result achieved.

When Surgery Should Be Postponed

• Patients with excessive weight who plan to lose weight

• Individuals who are planning pregnancy in the future

It is recommended for patients in these groups to postpone tummy tuck surgery until after their weight loss process or after childbirth.